Israel Day #5

Pictures...






Today was much less intense than yesterday, although it was an exciting and adventurous day. Today’s journeys started at the Jordan River (Mark 1:4-11). John the Baptist baptized several followers in the Jordan, as well as Jesus. We were not at the exact location where Jesus was baptized, although we were within 100 miles. It was a site to see and step into the water where Jesus was baptized.

We then traveled to Beth Shan National Park. It was a beautiful city, which had just been excavated within the past 30 years. Historically, they say it was erected in the late Canaanite period (16th-12th century BC), under the seat of Egyptian rule. The lords of Beth Shan defeated the Israelites, and displayed Saul’s body and his son’s bodies on the wall of the city (I Samuel 31:10-13). Later Beth Shan was taken by King David, and became an administrative center during King Solomon’s reign. We stood on the top of a mountain neighboring the city, and overlooked Beth Shan, while imagining people walking down “Main Street” of the city. It was a gorgeous site to see.

Next stop was the Caves of Qumran. This is where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We toured through some of the mountains, and saw inside a couple of the caves. To say at the least, they had extremely humble means. This day was closed a little bit different than any other of the previous three days. We concluded Wednesday by swimming,… well actually we were floating,… on the Dead Sea. It was an experience. The water in the sea has so many minerals and salt, that there is no living thing in it, except approximately 11 under aged teenagers. People travel from all around to swim in the sea, and rub the mud from the bottom of the sea all over their bodies, because “It is good for your skin.” Well unfortunately, I tried it out with the rest of the crew, and I felt like everything less than good!!! Although, it was an activity I am glad all of us were not too proud to participate. I am now sitting in our luxury hotel looking at the Dead Sea in the shadow of the night, still grateful for this incredible opportunity. Just over Half the trip is underway, see ya real soon!! I love you Stacie and London!!


Here is a video for your enjoyment!

Mud from the Dead Sea...